25 April 2010

Green smoothies

One of the really crappy (excuse the pun) things about the type of ichthyosis I have (Netherton's Syndrome) is that my tummy gets very sore. In a non vomit-inducing nutshell, there's something in the genetic makeup of this condition that causes digestive troubles. I found this very interesting - I only found out about this last year from my genetic counselor.

For a few years now I've been experiencing tummy pain and the GP said that it's either period pain or something I ate. So when the counselor told me that the skin condition and tummy pain were related, I was very excited that there was actually a link. While I have not yet been to see a gastroenterologist, I have been trying to eliminate certain foods from my diet - white bread, cheap cakes and muffins, white pasta - I have not really found a pattern. I do know I feel better eating breads without wheat and yeast (hello spelt!) and wholemeal pasta feels much better than white pasta. But other than that, I can feel tummy pain even when eliminating cereal products and only eating vegetables, fruit and proteins.

When I finally do get in to see the gastroenterologist, I hope that there will be a solution, or at least a prevention for this tummy business. Because I love my food and don't want to restrict myself. (Though in my googling for this blog entry, I have just seen that all Netherton's Syndrome patients eventually develop food allergies, particularly to nuts, eggs and fish. If this is true, I am doomed! I love fish.)

Anyhow, I've decided to try eating more roughage. While I do eat a lot of vegetables, and most mornings I either have porridge with yoghurt and fruit or a fruit, yoghurt and oats smoothie, I feel that more green vegetables may help me - particularly with the fibre and the antioxidants they provide.

So I've done a bit of research and decided to make green smoothies. Just like my fruit smoothie, only bright green, and without the milk.

So far I've had two for breakfast. I know, that's not enough to see a pattern forming. But I can tell you that yesterday's made me feel good. No tummy pain until after dinner.

Yesterday's one had half a packet of spinach, two ripe bananas, half a tin of blueberries (I know, cheating, they are really sweet, taste like dessert!), oats and water. It was very brown. But tasted really good! And it kept me full for a good four hours, event through dance class.

Today's had five chopped dates, pumpkin seeds and linseeds (good fats) half a packet of spinach, one ripe banana, water and manuka honey with propolis. Manuka honey with propolis is great for skin infections. It wasn't as nice as yesterday's. I think my banana was a bit too ripe.

Still, in both smoothies the spinach was unnoticeable.

I need to get a few groceries later today, and I will look at some more recipes, so tomorrow's smoothie should be new and improved. Apparently cabbage is really good, and I have some purple cabbage in the fridge!

I recommend everyone try them. The colour of today's smoothie was brilliant - with that colour, it has to be good for you!

7 comments:

you young lady, are brave! i am coeliac and i have other assorted allergies ( most nuts and seeds, anaphalactic to sesame) so i know the trauma of constant tummy/bowel pain...if you need any help advice etc just shoot me an email, im more than happy to help love danielle danininjapants@live.com

Hi Carly,I must say that I've never learned of any links between diet and Netherton's syndrome (even working on a dermatology ward!!), so you've taught me something today.I've actually found green smoothies makes my tummy feel a little :S which can be a bit of a good thing, coz it stops me eating junk food while studying!I love adding coconut to my green smoothies. And I call my smoothies "Green Monsters" (courtesy of Caitlin @ www.healthytippingpoint.com )Have a lovely day :)Polly

I have a probiotic every morning. It's expensive ($20/30 caps) but it has helped my digestive issues. I also stay away from anti-inflammatories and things like that. My digestive problems started with a course of 3 antibiotics in 3 months which basically killed my body...

How cool is that!!! Thanks for this blog Carly. I absolutely love smoothies but have never got round to making my own *hangs head in shame*. I don't know but whenever I have a smoothie, I somehow feel clean inside if that makes sense, same with salads. The smoothies you've made certainly sound interesting, and I'm seriously goiong to have to give it a whirl (s'cuse the pun lol).

I tell you what though Carly, you got me thinking, because I have tummy troubles too. I always thought it was wind in my case lol it could well be that it is wind. Also my Mum has stomach problems too so I thought it could be hereditary but I just don't know for sure. I know I have a different type of Ichthyosis as you Carly, but with what you have said I'm begining to wonder. I too love my food, always have and have always had a good appetite. I went to a family conference in Atlanta with FIRST in 2006 and found out that my high metabloism is/could well be due to my Ichthyosis - which explains a lot in my case. I found it really interesting. I might have a chat with my doctor when I go to see him in a couple of weeks to see what he thinks? I'm really curious now.

Carly, hello, I have to admit I have been thinking and wondering since I first read your blog whether diet and what you eat did in any way affect your Ichthyosis..... it will be intersting to find out. I have a dear friend in England who has to control her ulcerative coelitis with diet and it has made a huge difference. I am convinced that the doctor / nutritionist will be able to help you. I do hope so. x

i have a verry sensitive stomach and have a horrible time with nausea, so i can relate a little about the tummy pains! i love green smoothies! i recommend them to everyone. most people just look at me like im crazy, but they really are yummy!

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The material on Tune into Radio Carly is copyright.The writing in this blog is by Carly Findlay unless otherwise stated.Most photos in this blog are by Carly Findlay unless otherwise stated.Please do not reproduce without permission from Carly Findlay.

This blog represents my personal opinions and experiences. It does not reflect those of my employers'.The information I provide about ichthyosis is mostly based on personal experiences. Please seek medical advice or counseling before trying any new treatments I've written about.